Wausau couple's estate gives $1 M to foundation

WAUSAU (WAOW) - The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin says it has received $1 million from the estate of a Wausau couple.

Executive Director Jean Tehan said the gift, from Folke and Jean Becker, equals the largest gift the foundation has received in its 26-year history.

"We did not know the amount of their ultimate gift until recently. Needless to say, we were overwhelmed when we heard the news," Tehan said in a statement.

The Beckers established a trust in 1994 and named the foundation as the beneficiary. Mrs. Becker, 77, died in 2010 and her husband, 84, died last November.

The foundation said the gift will allow it to award about $40,000 in community enhancement grants each year that are designed to create "a vibrant and livable community that serves as a magnet to attract and retain great people here."

The Beckers' son, William of Schofield, said his parents loved Wausau and the great life they had in the area. "We are confident that the Community Foundation will be excellent stewards of their legacy and look forward to seeing great things accomplished in the years ahead."

The foundation said the family did not want to talk about what the couple did to accumulate their wealth.